Clutch question - no safety switch

[Dave Sherman]

So I have pondered this for a while. If there's no clutch safety switch on a stick shift, is there a downside to starting without clutching? The MG has weak thrust bearings, and it has been suggested that not having the force of the clutch springs pressing on the rear thrust bearing when there's no oil pressure is kinder to it and it lasts longer. Both the Spitfire 1500 and Triumph TR6 engines have the same weak thrust bearings, and lots of bad things can happen when they wear out. I've had it for 20 years and it's been a while since I had a stick shift daily driver with a clutch safety switch, so I've gotten used to not clutching.

Now that I have the Lincoln, I've grown so accustomed to starting without clutching I'm doing the same thing since it also has no safety switch. Not aware that it has any thrust bearing issues, but other than a little extra load of turning the intermediate shaft gears in the cold transmission oil, is there any problem?

 

[Creekside]

No problem at all other than the obvious safety aspect.

 

[Jetronic]

if it's very cold, you make it harder on the battery and starter motor to get going, you have to turn over the engine aswell as parts of the gearbox.

 

[Lubener]

Wouldn't be a problem for me since I always press and disengage the clutch prior to cranking by habit.

 

[PontiacHO]

If all it takes is clutch disengagement to ruin a crankshaft thrust bearing, this engine would have not survived as long as it has. Rest easy. Crank it anyway you want to. I’d much rather have an engine idle and build oil pressure before actually driving off…..